New Delhi: Total number of telephones has decreased by 55.71 lakh units from July to August 2016, a study conducted by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pointed out.

"At the end of August 2016, for which the latest data are available, the total number of telephones was 10538.59 lakh, as compared to 10594.30 lakh by the end of July 2016," ​the DoT said​ in a document on its website​. ​The number of wireless phones fell to ​10293.48 lakh in August from 10348.13 in July.

The study also shows that by the end of August 2016, the share of wireless segment was 97.67% against 97.68% in July 2016. The share of wireline telephones is reported at 2.33% in the same period.

The public sector’s share has increased further to 10.80%, while that of the private sector has decreased to 89.20%.

The number of internet subscribers, including both broadband and narrowband put together, which was 3023.50 lakh at the end of March 2015 increased to 3426.50 lakh by the end of March 2016, the report said.

The number of subscribers accessing internet via wireless phones was 3222.10 lakh at the end of March 2016.The number of wired Internet subscribers was 204.40 lakh at the end of March 2016.The number of broadband subscribers was 1669.60 lakh at the end of July'16.

The report also noted that the share of telephone service in rural areas in August 2016 stands at 42.45% against 42.15% in July 2016, while in urban areas, it has decreased and stands at 57.55% against 57.85% in July 2016.

Uttar Pradesh (east) has the highest share in the total telephones followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. These states together account for 39.25% of the total telephone connections in India.

The overall tele-density at the end of August 2016 is reported at 82.57%. Rural and urban tele-density was 51.04% and 151.71% respectively. Among the Service areas, Himachal Pradesh has recorded (130.37%) the highest tele-density. Delhi Service Area tops with 225.49% tele-density among metro cities.

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